Rhode Island Tire Chain Laws

How Rhode Island handles chains

Rhode Island has no chain law for trucks. Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted whenever snow or ice makes the road slick (R.I. Gen. Laws 31-23-20), but nothing is required. No sign turns a chain order on, because the state posts none. Studded tires are legal November 15 through April 1. Your duty is to drive to conditions and slow or stop when traction fails. Watch the I-95 grades. Check RIDOT before a storm run.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Chains stay optional. Rhode Island runs no chain-up order and no posted-pass sign system. Chains are legal whenever snow, ice, or other conditions tend to make a vehicle skid (R.I. Gen. Laws 31-23-20). Studded tires are legal November 15 through April 1.
• Where: No mandate anywhere. For voluntary traction, the I-95 grades and the higher ground in the northwest on US 44 and RI 102 are where it matters. Nothing on the road requires chains.
• Applies to: No commercial vehicle is bound. Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted on any vehicle for safety, with no weight threshold and no posted class trigger.
• Chains vs traction devices: Link chains and cable chains of reasonable proportions are permitted for safety (R.I. Gen. Laws 31-23-20). Studded tires work November 15 to April 1. AutoSock and textile devices are not addressed. Nothing is required, so snow tires alone are lawful.
• Check the live order: RIDOT road and travel conditions at dot.ri.gov for live winter status before a storm run.
• Fine: None for chains, since they are optional. General tire and equipment violations fall under R.I. Gen. Laws 31-41.1-4.

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